Saturday September 20, 10 am - 4 pm

Frequently Asked Questions

GENERAL QUESTIONS

No, this is a separate festival, established in 2012 by Hannon Library and the Friends of Hannon Library.

Why is the festival in September this year? Will it be held in September in following years?

Spring is a very busy time for our staff, so we’ve moved the festival to September in order to make things easier and, hopefully, better. We expect to hold future festivals in September from now on.

QUESTIONS ABOUT PARTICIPATING IN THE FESTIVAL

I would like to participate in the festival. How do I do that?

Authors, publishers, book sellers, and other relevant vendors may sign up to participate in the festival by going to the festival website at http://hanlib.sou.edu/bookfest/ and submitting an online application form. Once your application has been received and approved by the festival, you will be contacted by email with further instructions. Space is limited. Once all available spaces are filled, applications will be added to a waitlist.

What is the cost of participating in the festival?

There is a $40 entrance fee for regular applicants. Currently active Friends of the Hannon Library members can join for $35. ABAF Star Members can join for $30. No participant may have more than one table, and space is limited. However, participants may opt to share a table and split the entrance fee if they are all approved registrants.

l What is an ABAF Star Member?

To show our appreciation for the ABAF community, we are offering a discounted entrance fee of $30 to anyone who has participated in the festival every year since the start in 2012.

l If I bring a friend to help me with my table, do they have to pay an entrance fee?

No, only registered participants that are featured in the festival have to pay the entrance fee. Please feel free to bring a friend or two.

If you have signed up for a table, you only need to bring whatever products and publicity materials you wish to display or sell; the festival will provide tables and 2 padded chairs per table. It is recommended that you bring snacks and beverages, but some food and beverages will be available on site for purchase (see question below). Remember that you will be expected to man your table from 10 am to 4 pm, so consider bringing a companion in case you need to be away from your table for a time. Please do not bring any alcoholic beverages to the event; you will be asked to leave.

How big are the tables?

Each table is approximately 6 feet long. Exact dimensions vary somewhat. Email libraryevents@sou.edu for more detail.

Where will my table be located? Can I pick my table?

Tables will be arranged throughout all three floors of the library. Table locations will be assigned by the festival with consideration to each participant’s activities (presentations, panel involvement, etc.) and any special requirements communicated to the festival organizers. If you have special requirements, you should contact the festival immediately. The festival organizers will accommodate such requirements to the best of their abilities.

Can I sell my books/products?

Yes, you may sell books and other products for your brand. Be prepared to make cash transactions; the structure of the building impedes cellphone signals and can interfere with cellphone-based credit card transactions.

What can I have on my table? Can I sell my products?

In addition to items for sale, such as books and crafts, you may display work or set out promotional material. The table is your exhibit space to utilize as you see fit. You are not permitted to sell or distribute food items. The festival will provide black tablecloths and identifier signs, and you are welcome to bring additional decorative items. Multimedia material is permitted at muted or discreet audio levels, but access to electrical outlets may be limited; notify festival organizers in advance if you require access to an outlet. Offensive or objectionable material will be barred at the discretion of the Festival Planning Committee.

When should I arrive?

Registered participants will be given a check-in time prior to the event. All participants should be present, checked in, and set up by 9:30 am.

How long will I need to be at the event?

The festival opens at 10 am and closes at 4 pm. Participants are expected to maintain a presence at their table for the entire duration. If you need to be away for an amount of time, you should arrange for someone to man your table in your absence. If you are signed up to give a presentation or participate in a festival event, you may request a festival volunteer to man your table during your absence. If you need to leave the festival early, you should inform the festival organizers in advance.

Where can I park?

Participants are encouraged to park in the lot behind the library, off of Indiana Street. Parking will be free for this event, and no permits are required. See the parking map available on our website.

Will food be available?

The library coffee shop will be open during the festival and offers sandwiches, salads, pastries, bottled drinks, espressos, and more. There are also a number of restaurants and stores within walking distance of the campus. Registered participants and volunteers may also pre-order a boxed lunch.

QUESTIONS ABOUT ATTENDING THE FESTIVAL

Is there an admission fee? Do I need to pay?

There is no admission to attend the festival, and all our activities are free and open to the public. However, our participating authors will have books and materials available for sale. If you plan to make purchases, we recommend you bring cash as not all vendors will be set up for credit card transactions.

Where should I park?

For the day of the event, guests may park on campus. There is no fee, and no permit is required. See the parking map available on our website.

Where can I find a list of activities?

Visit the Ashland Book and Author Festival website for a list of authors, activities, and schedules. Specific questions can be submitted to libraryevents@sou.edu

Will there be activities for kids?

Absolutely. The Kids Corner offers activities for multiple age groups. Certified childcare providers will be on hand to offer professional supervision and guidance.

Will there be food?

The library coffee shop, located on the first floor of the building, offers a variety of sandwiches, salads, pastries, bottled beverages, espresso, and more.

OTHER QUESTIONS

How can I support the Ashland Book and Author Festival?

There are many ways you can support our program. Money donations can be made by check payable to our parent organization, Hannon Library. We also welcome any interested volunteers to help with the event. If you represent a business or organization, please consider becoming a sponsor.